DAY 1 — 1:00 PM: REVEL IN WELLINGTON’S MANY CHARMS

It’s challenging to mention Wellington without using the word “quaint,” since the community is the site of some of Ontario’s oldest homes and finest architecture, including a house dating back to 1786. Wellington’s also at the heart of this region’s wine country, making it a perfect jumping off point for winery visits.

But first, lunch! With cool lake breezes Wellington’s an ideal lunch stop — the only question being what to choose. La Condesa for tacos? Midtown Brewing Co for tasty light bites? Boutique hotel/restaurant/bar the Drake Devonshire for something upscale? Whatever you decide, a stroll along the beach boardwalk after lunch is in order. Or, peruse galleries on Main Street, for instance SideStreet Gallery, featuring local artisans, or the Sybil Frank Gallery, specializing in fine art.

Keep an eye out for green bicycles — they mark the home studios of glass blowers, potters etc. Of course, art is everywhere in The County, as the year-round Prince Edward County Arts Trail shows. It winds in and around Wellington, Bloomfield, and Picton, connecting arts lovers, buyers, and collectors with professional galleries and studios.

DAY 1 — 3:00 PM: SERIOUS ABOUT WINE, BUT REFRESHINGLY UNPRETENTIOUS

The County’s over forty wineries are known for being serious about wine while having “refreshingly unpretentious” wine tastings. They feature wines with a distinctive sense of place, due to the porous limestone-rich soil of The County. Local specialties include Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; adventure is also the name of the game with innovative Rieslings, Baco Noirs, Pinot Gris…the list goes on.
You’ll find a number of tempting wineries close to Hillier, a little hamlet with a vibrant arts community. (Home to Alchemy, an artist residency focused on community engagement through art, food and conversation.) There’s family-run Broken Stone Winery, priding themselves in “hand-crafted wines, grown by our family for you.” There’s Closson Chase, a winery that helped spearhead the birth of The County wine industry, and an early advocate for sustainable practices. There’s Stanners Vineyard, dedicated to producing premium Pinot Noir.

But don’t neglect The County’s cideries! For instance, the award-winning Loch Mor Cider Co. They specialize in traditional, European-style dry ciders in a lovely pastoral setting. (It must be said, “lovely pastoral settings” define much of Prince Edward County.)

DAY 2 — 11:00 AM: A CONTEMPLATIVE START AMIDST LAVENDER…OR ALPACAS

For a tranquil start to the day, surround yourself by fields of fragrant flowers at Millefleurs, a lavender and honey farm noted for its mead, a delightful sipping wine. The farm’s boutique brims over with lavender products, and honey and mead made on the farm.

If you’re still on a quest for comfort, swing by Chetwyn Farms, fifty-five acres devoted to Alpacas. The SHED at Chetwyn is a modern-day farm shop specializing in alpaca products. Watch the adorable woolly ones graze as you consider your cozy throw options. Or, head to nearby Noble Beast Farms to get up close and personal with the gentle creatures on an Alpaca trek.

Day 2 — 1:00 PM: WALK OR RIDE THE MILLENNIUM TRAIL — NATURE, ART (AND PUBS!)

If it’s time for something more vigorous, take a hike or bike along The Millennium Trail. It’s 46-kilometres long, stretching from Carrying Place to Picton, The County’s central hub (itself chockablock with art galleries and restaurants). The trail wends its way through wine country with many fine restaurants, breweries and pubs en route. Built on a former rail line, it’s an easy (read: flat) walk or ride, complete with stunning scenery.

Take time for the arts in Bloomfield, where you’ll find the Hatch Gallery, featuring work by some of Canada’s finest contemporary artists, and the Baxter Arts Centre, a creative space for making art. (While in Bloomfield you may also want to wander down Barker Lane to visit Matron Fine Beer, surrounded by rural beauty.)

If you haven’t come prepared with your own two-wheeler, bikes are rentable at various locations including Wellington-based Ideal Bike, Bloomfield Bicycle Company, Pedego Electric Bikes and County Bike Rentals, among others.

DAY 2 — 3:00 PM: SOME OF THE BEST BEACHES IN CANADA ARE AT SANDBANKS

No itinerary of The County would be complete without mentioning Sandbanks Provincial Park, a 20-odd minute drive from Wellington. Sandbanks is home to the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation, with 12 kilometres of magnificent dunes formed by glaciers 12,500 years ago. White sand, turquoise water, and three beautiful beaches. Need we say more?

Sandbanks also provides an opportunity to learn about dune and wetland habitats on its walking trails. And, if you’re visiting in spring or fall you’re in for an avian treat as The County can be a good vantage point for a spectacular number of migratory birds. (Consider a visit to the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory on the island’s southeast tip to learn more.)

Nature’s not the only art form in the Sandbanks area — a seven minute drive east and you’re at Mad Dog Gallery, located in a renovated century timber frame barn. There you’ll see the work of local artists, many of whom create works connected to County life. (For instance Andrew King, whose art celebrates local lighthouses and maritime history.)

Sandbanks is, understandably, a very popular destination, so make sure to buy a daily vehicle permit in advance to guarantee your spot. But don’t forget, there’s always more to explore on the island, with its nine distinct regions, 800 kilometres of shoreline, vast farmland, and abundance of charming towns.